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University of Oklahoma Libraries Western History Collections
SEMINOLE NATION MANUSCRIPT COLLECTIONS
Lilley, (Mrs.) John B. Diary 1842-1857 1 item
Missionary. A typescript of a diary (1842-1857) kept by the wife of John B. Lilley, a Presbyterian missionary to the Seminole Nation. The diary describes the Lilleys' arrival among the Seminoles, the hardships of living in Indian Territory, problems with slaves, friction between the Creeks and the Seminoles, Wild Cat's (Coocoochee) departure for Mexico, and tensions prior to the Civil War.
Diary: 1842-1857
The Lilley children: Cornelia, Maggie, Eliza, Robin, Mary Matilda, John, Walter, Douglas, Elenor Stephens
P. 1 1842. Introduction to Mr. John Bemo and acquaintance with his work.
P. 2-8 Called on Walter Lourie, Mission Rooms, Philadelphia. Mr. Robert Loughridge, whose wife had died in Indian Territory needed assistance. Appointment accepted by Mr. Lilley. Started for Indian Territory in November and traveled by train, car, ship and stage with wife and three children. Salary $500. Description of hotels, food, accommodations and mode of travel.
P. 9 Cherokees in state of civil war. Stopped off with John Drew family. Mention of Roly McIntosh.
P. 10-11 Travel by six wagons with Indians. Snow. Diet--pork and corn. Met Mr. Willie of Old Dwight Mission. Introduction to sofkee. Arrival in Ft. Gibson, then on to Creek Agency.
P. 12-13 Travel difficulties; food, roads, and mules. Arrival at Koweta in February. Trip was of four months duration.
P. 14 Slave problems, teacher problems--McMasters dismissed. Loughridge's child dies at Dwight Mission. Mention of Sanford Perriman.
P. 15 School started. About 30 scholars. Loughridge marries Miss Avery, teacher at Park Hill.